Mr Oatley was one of the Whitsunday regions most famous champions and a true inspiration to many Australians.

When accepting his Order of Australia (OA) Medal in 2014, he said ‘To share my passions of wine, sailing and Hamilton Island, as well as my good fortunes to aid cancer research and visual arts with the people of Australia, gives me immense pleasure and pride. I am a proud Australian, so to be awarded the Order of Australia is a great honour.’